Adrenal Disease Symptoms

An adrenal disease is any disorder that affects the overall function of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production and secretion of hormones. Addison's disease is one of the more common adrenal disorders, but you may also suffer from conditions like Cushing's syndrome, aldosteronism or adrenal hyperplasia. When you develop an adrenal disease, you'll most likely develop a number of telltale symptoms of the condition.

Fluctuation in Weight

• One common symptom of a disease of the adrenal gland is a fluctuation in weight. But this loss or gain in pounds is directly correlated to a specific hormone. When you suffer a depletion in cortisol, you can experience a loss in weight that is often accompanied by a decrease in appetite, nausea, vomiting and even diarrhea. With a spike in cortisol production, you can undergo an almost unexplained weight gain, usually isolated within the trunk and back.

Fatigue

• It is also common to experience some level of fatigue or exhaustion with an adrenal disease. This is also associated with the imbalance of hormones, be it an increase or decrease of cortisol. This fatigue is frequently accompanied by a certain amount of muscle weakness or pain in and around the muscles or the joints.

Cognitive Changes

• An adrenal disease can often cause a cognitive change. And depending on the person, you may become more irritable or short-tempered than normal. You could also begin to suffer from newfound anxieties, apprehensions or illogical concerns. It may even cause you to become more emotional, triggering depression or sadness.

Cardiovascular Issues

• It's also possible for an adrenal disease to cause cardiovascular issues. And much like the fluctuation in weight, the type of distress is linked to the production of cortisol. When you experience a dip in its production, you may begin to suffer from low blood pressure, which could cause you to faint or lose consciousness. When you experience a spike in production, your blood pressure may rise, causing secondary hypertension. This could then prompt other issues, such as atherosclerosis or arrhythmias.

Skin Conditions

• Adrenal disease can affect the look and health of your skin, prompting discoloration (or a darkening of the skin) as well as flushing (or reddening). You may also notice that your skin has become thinner than normal, causing you to bruise more easily and cuts or wounds take longer to heal. Yet, there is also the potential that your skin will remain healthy and your hair undergoes a change, becoming thicker and darker than before.

Sexual Problems

• Diseases of the adrenal glands can also affect your sex life, causing you to suffer from a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunctions, which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. For some women, it may also change their menstrual cycle, becoming more or less frequent as well as heavier or lighter in flow.